KOZHIKODE: A flying squad of the Forest Department on Friday seized two pieces of ivory, each weighing 16 kg, from a house at Kanniparambu near Mavoor in the district. The squad arrested K.S. Krishnan, 73, and his son Sivaramakrishnan, 39, who allegedly kept the ivory for resale.

Forest officials said the flash search was held following a tip-off that the family had links with agents involved in the illegal business. Two currency counting machines were also seized from the house during the search.

Both the accused were charged under various sections of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. They were placed under the custody of Thamarassery Forest range officers for further investigation in the case.

The flying squad members said they were yet to get information on persons who supplied the ivory to the arrested. Range Forest Officer M Padmanabhan and Forest Officer K Pradeep Kumar were among those who led the search.